FAQs of the facility Investing for Employment (IFE)

Yes, this is possible as long as both applicants and the project itself meet the eligibility criteria. The categorisation depends solely on the project type: Category 1, not-for profit and non-revenue generating; Category 2, not-for profit but revenue generating.

• The categorisation depends solely on the type and nature of the proposed project investment. If the project is for-profit, then it will meet IFE criteria for Category 3, otherwise Category 2. In both cases, most of the jobs will be created within third entities (i.e., companies operating in the private sector), which should be supported by Letters of Intent from such third entities.
• The most relevant key performance indicator (KPI) for IFE CfPs is job creation (KPI 1). As such, the project must clearly demonstrate how it will create good new jobs (non-existing) in the private sector beyond the training opportunities.

• It depends on the candidate type and the project’s objective. If both are for-profit (profit-generating activity with dividends distributed) then Category 3 or Category 4 apply.
• Please note that building and equipping a technology centre is not sufficient per se. The applicant(s) also need to be qualified to operate such a centre and be able to offer technical support to the users of the centre, either in-house or outsourced. The applicant also needs to demonstrate that this centre will contribute to the creation of jobs.

• Yes, but only if this project does not generate any revenues (which appears unlikely). However, if the project is for profit, then Category 3 or 4 apply.
• Please note that in case of a techno park the applicant(s) also need to be qualified to operate such a centre and be able to offer technical support to the users of the centre, either in-house or outsourced. The applicant also needs to demonstrate that this techno park will contribute to job creation.

• IFE does not finance real estate projects.
• Please note that building and equipping a technology centre is not sufficient per se. The applicant(s) also need to be qualified to operate such a centre and be able to offer technical support to the users of the centre, either in-house or outsourced.
• If the goal is commercial (profit generation and distributing dividends), then it falls into Category 3 or Category 4. Category 1 only applies to projects that do not generate any revenue (which appears unlikely in the case of industrial zones)

A project submitted by a private company can be considered as category 2, provided that:

• the project's paramount objective is for common benefit
• all assets co-financed by the IFE will belong irrevocable to a non-profit entity
• potential revenues / profits generated by the project will not be distributed to private entities or persons

In principle yes, as long as projects fulfil the conditions of Category 1 or 2

• Only if the foreseen projects do not generate revenues (which appears unlikely)
• The most relevant KPI for IFE is creation of good and new jobs in the private sector (KPI 1). As such, the project should first clearly demonstrate how it will create such jobs in the private sector beyond the training opportunities.

YES.

• No, the size of the applying entity is irrelevant for its categorisation.

NO, for-profit companies can only apply for Categories 3 and 4.

• No, this kind of for-profit project is classified as Category 4.
• Please note that the mere construction is not sufficient and applicants need to demonstrate professional capacity to operate the project upon its completion. The applicants also need to demonstrate that this hotel will contribute to the creation of jobs.

• No. If the project is made up of several components from different categories, then each component of the project should be presented separately.

• No, the categorisation will be adjusted by IFE and the amount of own contribution expected from the candidate will be revised according to IFE requirements for the corresponding category.
• Yet, if the ultimate possible grant amounts drop below the minimum ticket size of 1 million EUR, then the project will no longer qualify for an IFE grant.
• Notably, if the financial status of the applicant appears too weak or too low to cater for the increased own contribution, then during the evaluation process, the score might be reduced or the applicant disqualified.

Yes. Local authorities, as public entities, meet the eligibility criteria for projects in Category 1 and Category 2.

Yes.

Yes. Each project must be submitted independently and it will be evaluated on its own merits. The applicant (i.e., individual) must demonstrate the technical and financial capacity to undertake and implement multiple projects running in parallel.

No. Each project must be submitted by the consortium independently and it will be evaluated on its own merits. The lead applicant of the consortium must demonstrate the technical and financial capacity to undertake and to implement multiple projects running in parallel.

IFE is open to all sectors. However, the ‘Exclusion List of KfW Group’ defines specific sectors that IFE does not finance. Please refer to:

https://www.kfw.de/PDF/Download-Center...

IFE does not prioritise or provides special considerations for projects that target disadvantaged segments of the society. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as long as the project meets IFE eligibility criteria.

No, each applicant is required to submit its own application and related supporting documents, including financial statements. Financial statements must be audited in case of private commercial companies. Please note that banks are not eligible for IFE CfPs.

Professional agricultural associations are eligible. The categorisation depends on the type of proposed project: Category 1, if the project is not-for profit and non-revenue generating; Category 2, if not-for profit but revenue generating; Category 3, if for-profit has wider job creation impact (within its own entity and within third parties); Category 4, if for-profit has job creation impact at its own entity level.

Microfinance institutions are not eligible. Financial institutions are not eligible under the IFE CfPs, including commercial banks.

IFE expects from all members of a consortium to demonstrate a healthy financial situation, by respecting the following criteria:

• Average yearly turnover must be greater than or equal to 50% of requested grant.
• At least 2 positive EBITDA in the past 3 years.
• A debt/equity ratio of max 4:1.

No, IFE only finances projects that create jobs exclusively in the country of the Call.

No, IFE grant only finances investments made from the date of the signature of the Grant and Separate agreements.

No, though a consortium might provide combined financial capacity and former management experience as added-values for meeting IFE criteria.

NO.

Yes, they meet the eligibility criteria for projects in Category 1 and Category 2. Or even Category 3 and 4 if the foreseen project pursues profit-making.

A focus on youth capacity building may help you to earn some bonus points, but is not sufficient for receiving a grant. Each project needs to comply with the IFE condition as laid down in the Guidelines for Applicants.

If the project is too large for the subsidiary, then the parent company may apply as lead applicant. To keep in mind though that IFE will not finance projects that serve to refinance, restructure or rehabilitate a subsidiary or any company in general.

If your question refers to the status of a foreseen project, then our answer is yes. But if you refer to the status of the applying entity, then our answer is no. Please check the Guidelines for the eligibility criteria for the Applicant.

Yes, all applicants (i.e., individual applicants, lead applicant of a consortium and consortium members) must have been operating for at least three years.

• The project’s concept must be mature and preliminary technical studies must be ideally in place to begin the project execution (construction of buildings, purchase of technical equipment, etc.) as soon as possible, at the latest 12 months after signing the financing agreements (i.e., Grant and Separate Agreements).
• The funding plan must be fairly defined at the concept note stage and finalised at FPP stage. Pre-agreements (i.e., supporting documents to be enclosed to the application) must be in place for the participation of investors, ideally at CN stage and compulsory for the FPP stage.
• Investments relating to activities already carried out cannot be supported or taken into account by IFE. IFE does not offer retroactive financing of already executed investments

NO.

No, but each part of the consortium must play a relevant role in the project. Roles and responsibilities should be clearly defined in the concept note through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) or any other supporting document that describes the outlines of an agreement that two or more parties have reached.

The maximum duration applies only to the investment phase of a project. The investment phase of a project may not exceed 24 months and must be concluded within 30 months after the financing agreements (Grant and Separate Agreement) are signed. The investment (i.e., infrastructural works, purchase of technical equipment, etc.) must begin no later than 12 months after the date of the signature of the Grant and Separate agreements. The operational phase should be carried out at a normal pace without interruption and be financially sustainable.

Yes, but only during the investment period of the project and only if the Technical Assistance is closely linked to the investment and absolutely necessary for the realisation of planned operations.

These costs are part of the company's operating budget during the investment phase, and therefore not eligible. As an exception, fees of external experts engaged during the investment phase for training workers on machines that are part of the project are considered eligible.

It is considered an eligible cost only and exclusively if required for a maximum of the initial 3 months of the operating period but not exceeding 7,5% of the total investment budget.

Yes, they are. Annual maintenance costs are considered OPEX instead, and not eligible for the IFE grant as belonging to the operational phase.

No. Intangible contributions are not eligible for IFE CfPs.

• The applicant's financial contribution can be in cash or a combination of both cash and in- kind.

• In-kind contribution:
  • Projects proposals involving exclusively in-kind contributions will not qualify.
    
  • Inflating the size or the value of the in-kind contribution could leady to disqualifying the project.

• Cash-contribution must be of a minimum of 15% of the overall own contribution, and the applicant should demonstrate documentary evidence for cash contributions (signed MoUs, bank statements, etc.).

NO.

Yes, but only in case the foreseen IT solutions or curricula is exclusively required for the foreseen project.

The value of each in-kind contribution must be certified by legally registered consulting companies and/or consultants, and supporting documents should ideally be submitted already at concept note stage. IFE may require an own evaluation.

Yes, but subject to an independent assessment carried out by a legally registered consulting companies and/or consultants an approved expert. Existing fixed assets (i.e., buildings, land, technical equipment) must be an integral part of the project when approved. And the machines need to, exclusively for the use of the foreseen project.

No. Intangible contributions are not eligible for IFE CfPs.

Yes. The applicant’s own contribution can stem from own funds, or loans or other type of financial support, including grants from third parties.

Yes. Grants from third parties can be considered part of the applicant’s own contribution.

Applicants can present an alternative cash flow projection with a reduced grant and increased own contribution and can endeavour to scale down the project, but to the extent that the project does not fall below 1 million EUR grant (minimum). Also, the project’s nature and objectives must not be changed. In case of an increased grant request, the applicant needs to provide strong and convincing arguments, why this interim increase should be accepted by IFE.

Public entities must demonstrate their ability to:

• provide their share of co-financing, as per IFE requirements for the indicated Category ;
• to exhaust the own contribution before the disbursement of the scheduled IFE grant;
• to cover the operating costs of the project after the investment has been finalised. To do so, the public entity must provide information on its annual budget and upload a signed Letter of Commitment from a director or other authorised representatives committing the entity to make the required funds available.

Yes, they have to be certified and audited (i.e., signed and dated) by an independent consulting company and/or consultants for private companies, which are obliged to have certified annual statements. Public entity, any other supporting document can be provided.

The certified and audited financial statements of the applicant (i.e., namely the parent company) must be submitted.

All supporting documents in Arabic (i.e., financial statements, business licenses, etc.) must be translated into English or French at the concept note stage. Only shortlisted applicants will be required to present certified/notarised translations at the FPP (Full Project Proposal) stage.

Yes, it is mandatory. Financial data in funding plans as well as cash-flow projections must be submitted in EUR. Only financial statements are accepted in local currencies.